John Heilpern (1942-2021)
Darryl Reilly, Critic English journalist John Heilpern died of cancer at the age of 78 on January [more]
One Long Extravaganza
All opinions in Darryl’s blog are his own and may conflict with an official review published on Theaterscene.net.
A native New Yorker, Darryl Reilly graduated from NYU with a BFA in Cinema Studies. For the Broadway League, (formerly The League of American Theatres and Producers) he developed, and for five years conducted their Broadway Open House Tours, which took visitors through The Theatre District and into several Broadway theaters. He contributed to Broadway Musicals Show by Show: Sixth Edition (Applause Books). Since 2013, he has reviewed theater, cabaret, and concerts for Theaterscene.net.
Remembering Jason Robards
The great American actor died 20 years ago today at the age of 78. I became fascinated with him during his 1970’s consecutive Oscar-winning renaissance.
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Listening Pleasures
Sam Fragoso, Gilbert Gottfried, Frank Santopadre and Studs Terkel’s broadcasts have provided me with entertainment and enlightenment during this pandemic. [more]
The 1970 Tony Awards
Darryl Reilly, Critic “This is my first award, so please be kind” cooed Noël Coward after he [more]
Stand-up on Allen Street
The atmosphere of a comedy club was replicated outside a NYC café at this Filipino-centric event held during the pandemic where polished comics entertained a masked audience. [more]
Stephanie Lynn Wilson (1953-2020)
This Bronx-born Off-Off-Broadway dynamo strove to put people of color on the stage in her substantive and empowering material. Appearing in one of her plays was so memorable. [more]
A 2020 Four Best List
With New York City theater in limbo for the foreseeable future, now seems the time to acknowledge the outstanding presentations of this COVID-19 era. [more]
My Circle in the Square
“Romeo and Juliet” at this unique theater was the first Broadway show I saw. Rex Harrison, George C. Scott and Brian Bedford were also memorable there. [more]
Jules Feiffer’s Grown Ups
This 1980’s obscure and brief-running dark work is my favorite play. I later met the author’s wife, which inspired Rupert Pupkin-style delusions.
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Pandemic Diversions
Darryl Reilly, Critic Like many, I have sought solace through entertainment during these first [more]
The Last Theater Show
Here are accounts of productions I attended just before live performances traumatically ceased in NYC due to COVID-19; one review was not published before. [more]
Vincent Price Was Oscar Wilde
There are happy and distracting memories to ponder while the arts and life are in limbo due to COVID-19. Lauren Bacall also appears in this recollection. [more]
In Praise of Frances Sternhagen on her 90th Birthday
As a seasoned New York theatergoer, I experienced her immense talents many times and today is cause to recall a few of her unheralded performances. [more]
Remembering Denise Winters (1953 – 2019)
Elaine Stritch and I were among the many stars and strivers whom this preeminent and gracious NYC photographer vividly rendered by her profound portraits. [more]
A 2019 Ten Best List
These superior revivals, bold new plays and a terrific solo show were the most fascinating and memorable productions I experienced this year.
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Dear Laurie Lawrence
The late NYC performer’s 60th birthday was commemorated by a lovely concert at The Duplex with the proceeds benefitting Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. [more]
Film review: “Leonard Soloway’s Broadway”
The life of the prolific theater producer whose career began in the 1940’s is chronicled in this eventful and entertaining show business documentary.
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Remembering Mary E. Allen (1954 – 2019)
Searching Facebook recently, I discovered that a brilliant, colorful and unsung creative figure I encountered in my youth, died earlier this year. [more]
Book review: “Still Here: The Madcap, Nervy, Singular Life of Elaine Stritch” by Alexandra Jacobs
Admirers of the legendary performer should be enthralled by this quite probably definitive chronicle of her life and career that’s written with zest.
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Pauline Kael: Reflections upon her centennial
Today is the centennial of that irascible and preeminent American film critic and I offer my thoughts and reminiscences upon this significant occasion. [more]
Remembering Duane Bodin (1932-2018)
The death of a long inactive performer with a fine career during Broadway’s Golden Age understandably went unnoticed. He was my neighbor in the 1980’s. [more]
Reflections of Derek Jarman
The iconoclastic gay British film director sadly died 25 years ago today at the age of 52 from AIDS. Encountering him from afar made a great impression on me. [more]
Book review: “And One More Thing ” by Quentin Crisp
A delightful new collection of material from that flamboyant sage. There’s the script of his one-man show, unseen poems and pithy observations galore.
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Quentin Crisp: Naked Hope
The young British actor Mark Farrelly brilliantly channels the 20th century cultural icon’s witty presence in his highly theatrical self-written solo show. [more]
The Return of Bina Sharif
Darryl Reilly, Critic “I’m not a real dancer but in this play, I celebrate my health.” Bina [more]
A 2018 Ten Best List
Darryl Reilly, Critic There were so many exceptional original plays among the 144 productions that [more]
If Loving Yule is Wrong, I Don’t Want to be Right
Darryl Reilly, Critic “Nothing brings you closer than almost breaking a hip together!” cracks [more]
“Don’t Call Me Shirley!: John Burns sings Shirley Bassey”
Darryl Reilly, Critic John Burns and William Demaniow at The Duplex. “At first glance, we don’t [more]
Jessica Tandy and Hume Cronyn’s Cultural Medallion Dedication
Darryl Reilly, Critic Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy. “The Fourposter transformed our lives [more]
A Portrait of Maureen Stapleton
Darryl Reilly, Critic Maureen Stapleton by Raphael Soyer (1968) This striking portrait of Maureen [more]
Harold Pinter and Nicholas Hytner: Balancing Acts
Nicholas Hytner’s vivid accounts of two striking interactions with Harold Pinter are the standout highlights from his memoir, "Balancing Acts: Behind the Scenes at London's National Theatre." These revealing episodes will thrill devotees of the great and temperamental playwright. [more]
Doric Wilson: An Eminent Outlaw
Darryl Reilly, Critic Doric Wilson circa 2011. “Making magic out of nothing,” is how Doric [more]
Frank Langella is 80: A Stream of Consciousness Tribute
Darryl Reilly, Critic It is not widely known that among Frank Langella’s many accolades, [more]